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-I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism. CHARLES SCHWAB
-It is usually best to be generous with praise and cautious with criticism. UNK
-Correction does much, but encouragement does more. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
-People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise. W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM

Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Eph 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
2 Cor 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Prov 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
2 Cor 7:4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Cor 7:16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Prov 16:21b . . . pleasant words promote instruction.
Deut 32:2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
Prov 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Rom 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
1 Thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Phil 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Previously posted related quotes: (see also last seven posts)
-Start your child’s day with love and encouragement and end the day the same way. ZIG ZIGLAR
-There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come through encouragement from someone else. I don’t care how great, how famous or how successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for applause. GEORGE M. ADAMS
-A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
-You will find, if you think for a moment, that the people who influence you are the people who believe in you. HENRY DRUMMOND
-Education commences at the mother's knee, and every word spoken within hearsay of little children tends toward the formation of character. HOSEA BALLOU
-A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society. BILLY GRAHAM
-Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. CHUCK SWINDOLL
-You may speak but a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian Church in years to come. CHARLES SPURGEON
-Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away. SIR ARTHUR HELPS
-Good words do more than hard speeches, as the sunbeams, without any noise, will make the traveler cast off his cloak, which all the blustering winds could not do, but only make him bind it closer to him. ROBERT LEIGHTON
-Blowing out the other fellow's candle won't make yours shine any brighter. UNK
-A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. UNK
-Praise in public, punish in private. Standard policy of good leaders
-Give credit where credit is due. Standard policy of good leaders
-I praise loudly, I blame softly. CATHERINE II OF RUSSIA
-A pat on the back, though only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results. UNK
-A slap on the back often pushes the chest out. UNK
-Patting a fellow on the back is the best way to get a chip off his shoulder. UNK
-Your greatest pleasure is that which rebounds from hearts that you have made glad. HENRY WARD BEECHER
-The person who sows seeds of kindness enjoys a perpetual feast. UNK
-Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-The dread of criticism is the death of genius. WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS
-Concern over criticism clogs creativity. DUANE ALAN HAHN
-But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism. ERIC WRIGHT
-As much as we thirst for approval we dread condemnation. HANS SELYE
-Silence is sometimes the severest criticism. CHARLES BUXTON
-I would rather be attacked than unnoticed. For the worst thing you can do to an author is to be silent as to his works. An assault upon a town is a bad thing; but starving it is still worse. SAMUEL JOHNSON
-So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
-Since new developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
-Encouragement is awesome. It can actually change the course of another person's day, week, or life. CHUCK SWINDOLL
-The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength. WARREN WIERSBE
-Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile. SIR WILFRED GRENFELL

To help us help each other:1 Thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thes 5:14b . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Prov 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Cor 7:4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Cor 7:16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
1 Pet 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Looking to Scripture for help, strength and incentive:2 Chr 15:7 “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
Ps 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Is 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Zech 4:6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
Phil 2:13 (Amp) [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Rom 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Eph 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Thes 3:13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
Gal 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Heb 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. FRANKLIN P. JONES
-It is one of the severest tests of friendship to tell your friend his faults. So to love a man that you cannot bear to see a stain upon him, and to speak painful truth through loving words, that is friendship. HENRY WARD BEECHER
-No man can tell another his faults so as to benefit him, unless he loves him. HENRY WARD BEECHER
-We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticize us perform a remarkable act of friendship, for to undertake to wound or offend a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him. MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE
-If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends, you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue. ALICE DUER MILLER
-Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise. MARY KAY ASH
-When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable. JUDITH MARTIN
-Constructive criticism is about finding something good and positive to soften the blow to the real critique of what really went on. PAULA ABDUL
-Learn to see the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Appreciate the constructive; ignore the destructive. JOHN DOUGLAS
-In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this. WILLIE MAYS
-Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults. SOCRATES
-Pretty words are not always true, and true words are not always pretty. (possibly by AIKI FLINTHART)
-I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses. JOHANNES KEPLER
-Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things. If it is heeded in time, danger may be averted; if it is suppressed, a fatal distemper may develop. WINSTON CHURCHILL
-Better a little chiding than a great deal of heartbreak. SHAKESPEARE
-Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring, a south wind, not an east wind. RALPH WALDO EMERSON
-Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots. FRANK A. CLARK

Prov 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Prov 27:9b . . . the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Prov 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Prov 15:28a The heart of the righteous weighs its answers . . .
Prov 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Prov 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Prov 12:15b . . . a wise man listens to advice.
2 Cor 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
1 Thes 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear. The traitor is the plague. MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO

Luke 11:17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall."
2 Tim 3:1-4 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
John 8:31b-32 . . . Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Luke 21:28 (Amp) Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near.
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-The road to perdition has ever been accompanied by lip service to an ideal. ALBERT EINSTEIN (14 March 1879–18 April 1955)

Is 29:13 The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
1 John 2:4-6 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Ps 15:1-5 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
Deut 10:12b-13 . . . what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

Bonus quote just for fun:
-If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign? ALBERT EINSTEIN

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-Live for the line, not the dot
Life on earth is a dot. It begins. It ends. It’s brief.
Life in Heaven is an unending line extending from that dot.
We all live in the dot. If we’re wise, we’ll live for the line. RANDY ALCORN*

Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
1 Cor 7:29-31 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Ps 37:5-9 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
2 Pet 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Mark 8:36 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

*Randy Alcorn is the author of the wonderfully encouraging book, Heaven, and numerous other books available from his Eternal Perspective Ministries. He even offers the above quote in bookmark form. If you want to get a quick taste of his biblically based approach to his work, there are numerous videos of him on YouTube, such as this one: “Will Pets Be in Heaven?”

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

Want to teach children about the Trinity? Saint Patrick’s story may help.

Born in Scotland, Saint Patrick (c. 387-?) was captured by pirates when he was 16 and sold as a slave to a chief in Ireland. He eventually became a priest in Rome, then served God in England. Later the Pope made him a bishop and sent him to Ireland as a missionary.

It is said that Patrick used the three-leaf clover to help explain the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Holding the shamrock he supposedly said, “Even as there are three leaves on this one stem, so there are three persons in one God.”1

In addition to the shamrock, you might use candles as in the quote below. You might also tell them to think about some of the many different “identities” humans have. For instance, a man is somebody’s son. He may also be a father, a husband, a brother, a college graduate, a building inspector, a voter, a Sunday school teacher, an artist and many more things. Once they consider how easy it is for humans to be several things at once, it may be easier to grasp how our almighty God can be three persons in one.

By the way, Saint Patrick is said to have converted over 100,000 people, built hundreds of churches and worked to end slavery.2 The shamrock is now regarded as the national emblem of Ireland.

-Tell me how it is that in this room there are three candles and but one light, and I will explain to you the mode of the divine existence. JOHN WESLEY

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Is 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Matt 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matt 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Gal 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
1 Pet 1:2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
2 Cor 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-I have now disposed of all my property to my family; there is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had this, and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; but if they had not that, and I have given them all the world, they would be poor. The will of PATRICK HENRY (1736-1799), Founding Father-This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed. PATRICK HENRY

Ps 16:5-6 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Ps 37:9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Ps 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Ps 37:22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Ps 37:28-29 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
Ps 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Matt 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matt 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”
John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Rom 8:14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Gal 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Eph 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
Eph 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Col 1:12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Titus 3:5-7 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
1 John 3:1a See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! . . .
1 Pet 1:3-7 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

[Note: I left the above list of verses black to facilitate printing in case anyone wants to print this post out and put it with their will.]

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful. from "The Farmer and the Snake," Aesop’s Fables

2 Tim 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-What is the reason that men are so half-hearted in seeking Christ? Why are they so soon deterred, and checked, and discouraged in drawing near to God? The answer is short and simple. They do not feel sufficiently their own sins. They are not thoroughly convinced of the plague of their own hearts, and the disease of their own souls. Once let a man see his own guilt, as it really is, and he will never rest till he has found pardon and peace in Christ. J.C. RYLE

Ps 10:13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?
Ps 36:1-2 An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.
Is 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 Tim 1:15-16 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Eph 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
Ezek 18:32 "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!"
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Luke 5:32 “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Rom 2:4-5 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
2 Cor 7:8-10 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Luke 15:7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Acts 26:17b-18 “‘ . . . I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

The Bad News
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
Rom 6:23a For the wages of sin is death . . .

The Good News
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-THESE are the times that try men's souls : The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered ; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain, too cheap, we esteem too lightly :--- 'Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods ; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. THOMAS PAINE

Rom 8:16-18 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Gal 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Tim 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
James 1:25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
1 Pet 5:8-11 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Cor 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Cor 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Ps 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Is 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Gal 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 5:11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Heb 10:35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Prov 24:16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
Eph 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
2 Thes 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Rev 3:8-11 “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Ps 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread. GEORGE HERBERT
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Phil 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______

Comment

-To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the imperishable truth to be found in this Treasure House, the Bible? QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Ps 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Rom 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Ps 25:4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
2 Tim 3:13-17 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Prov 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov 8:10-11 “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Eph 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
Ps 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Thank you, Mary Rae, for your lovely picture!
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21______